Lira Regional Referral Hospital in Uganda has recently received a significant donation of modern surgical equipment specifically for children. This vital support, valued at approximately UGX 500 million, comes from Kids Operating Room (Kids OR), a UK-based organization dedicated to improving child healthcare.
This generous gift includes a range of advanced tools, from operating beds to anaesthesia machines, designed to create a fully equipped, modern surgical ward for children at the hospital. This new setup promises safer and more effective care for young patients.
Dr. Andrew Odur, the Acting Hospital Director, expressed deep gratitude for the timely support. He highlighted that this equipment arrives as the hospital is actively working to expand and improve its children’s surgical services. Dr. Odur stated, “This will greatly enhance patient safety and provide a more conducive working environment for our surgeons,” emphasizing the positive impact on both patients and medical teams.
Dr. Charles Newton Odongo, a Paediatric Surgeon, added that children from across Northern and Eastern Uganda will benefit immensely. The new equipment means fewer families will need to travel long distances for specialized surgical care, making essential treatments more accessible right in their region.
Looking ahead, Dr. Odongo also shared plans for the hospital to start training programs in paediatric surgery. This initiative aims to increase the number of child surgery specialists in the region, further strengthening healthcare outcomes for young patients for years to come.
Experts in medical technology will work closely with the hospital’s engineers to install the equipment properly, ensuring it is used and maintained effectively. The new facilities are expected to be fully operational by June 2026, marking a significant step forward for children’s health in the region.